KZN: How to stay safe when on the road with heavy vehicles
Buhle from Traffic has the rundown for you...
Driving on the highway can be anxiety-inducing, especially when having to share the road with heavy vehicles.
Even the sight of a truck or a bus that’s ahead of you is enough for many motorists to break out in a cold sweat.
With KwaZulu-Natal having the second largest manufacturing sector in the country, this causes major routes such as the N3 and the N2 to be the most frequented routes by heavy vehicle motorists who transit industrial goods daily.
Read More: TIPS: Safety tips for driving in the rain
Here are some tips to help you mentally prepare to share the highway with trucks and buses:
1. Avoid lingering in blind spots
Trucks are known to have large blind spot areas on both sides and behind the trailer, with the left side being the largest blind spot area. So, avoid driving alongside a truck for a prolonged period, especially on the left side.
2. Safe Passing
If you need to pass a truck, give yourself enough space and time to do so. Always pass the truck as far to the right as possible (the driver’s side), with both hands firmly on the steering wheel. This will save you from experiencing air turbulence from the heavy vehicle. Keep a consistent speed and signal your intention in advance.
Alternatively, should a truck need to pass you, stay on the left, slow down, and allow it to pass; and when you’re traveling in the left lane approaching an on-ramp, move to the right to allow the truck to enter the highway.
WATCH: That time an ostrich was chased by a dog up the road
3. Safe following distance
Maintaining a good amount of following distance behind or in front of the truck will save you from an unwanted accident, either caused by an abrupt stop, air turbulence or the loss of a load onto the roadway or onto the vehicle from behind the trailer.
4. Wide turns
Heavy vehicles require more room on both sides to turn safely, especially at an intersection. So, give them enough room to do so. Do not attempt to pass a truck with a signal on and avoid squeezing in between them and the curb.
5. Dim or switch off your bright lights
When passing or following a truck at night, be sure to dim your lights or turn off your bright lights to avoid blinding the truck driver. Bright lights can reflect off the truck driver’s side mirrors, making it difficult for the truck driver to see.
6. Bad weather conditions
It is advised that one does not try to pass a truck during bad weather due to a few possible factors at play such as aquaplaning, air turbulence, reduced visibility of the road, and poor control of both vehicles on wet and slippery surfaces.
However, if it is necessary to do so, then please ensure that your windscreen wipers are on and that they’re in good condition before passing or overtaking a truck in wet weather conditions. Otherwise, avoid doing so in case your wipers cannot handle the heavy aquaplaning from the truck.
Read More: Car picnic? Why, yes, please!
7. Defensive driving
Stay alert whilst driving, monitor the speed of your vehicle, and be prepared for both the unexpected and to react to other drivers around you.
8. Always signal your intention to change lanes or to make a turn
Make sure to signal your intention long in advance as this will give the truck driver a chance to react and adjust their speed and brake accordingly and in good time.
9. Buckle up
Don’t forget to wear your seatbelt before starting your journey, and make sure that all passengers in your vehicle are buckled up too.
10. Be patient
Practice patience when sharing the roadway with heavy vehicles. Keeping your cool will help keep you focused throughout your trip until you reach your destination.
More on East Coast Radio:
Image courtesy of canva